Liquid vitamin composition

ABSTRACT

A liquid vitamin composition comprising (a) a first liquid vitamin formulation comprising vitamins A, D3, B12 and optionally vitamin E, (b) a second liquid vitamin formulation comprising vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and H, and (c) a third liquid vitamin formulation comprising vitamin K3 wherein the three formulations are separate solutions.

This application is a U.S. national stage filing of InternationalApplication No. PCT/EP01/03952, filed on Mar. 23, 2001, which claims thebenefit of priority to European Patent Application No. 00106397.3, filedon Mar. 24, 2000, and which is also a continuation in part of U.S.patent application No. 09/590,804, filed on Jun. 9, 2000, now U.S. Pat.No. 6,329,423.

The present invention relates to a liquid vitamin composition, and inparticular to a composition comprising three or four liquid vitaminformulations.

Vitamins are introduced into animal feed to supplement the diet of theanimal. The animal requires more than one particular vitamin and thevitamins are added as a vitamin mix, generally known as a vitaminpre-mix. A known method of introducing the mixture of vitamins into thediet is to incorporate the vitamins into the animal feed. This can beintroduced in two ways. The most commonly used method is through theintroduction of powdered vitamins by adding the powdered pre-mix to thefeed ingredients. The resulting mixture is then formed into pellets. Aproblem with this method is that the process for forming the pelletsrequired high temperature and high pressure. Under such conditions, someof the vitamins are unstable and can decompose.

Alternatively, vitamins can be supplied for addition to animal feed inthe liquid form. A problem however associated with liquid vitaminmixtures is that in the liquid form, many vitamins are more reactivethan in the solid form and often react with each other and in some casesdecomposition of the vitamin results.

There remains, therefore, a need for an effective means of providing amixture of vitamins which results in minimum loss in the quantity andquality of the vitamins. We have found a solution to the aforementionedproblems through a three component liquid vitamin system wherein each ofthe three vitamin formulations are stable.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a liquid vitamin compositioncomprising

(a) a first liquid vitamin formulation comprising vitamins A, D3, B12and optionally vitamin E,

(b) a second liquid vitamin formulation comprising vitamins B1, B2, B3,B5, B6 and H, and

(c) a third liquid vitamin formulation comprising vitamin K3characterised in that the three formulations are separate solutions.

The liquid composition of the present invention provides the advantageover the prior art in that the three separate vitamin formulations arestable in the liquid form. We have found that the specific mixture ofvitamins in each formulation results in a stable formulation, thusproviding a product which can be supplied as a three distinct componentsystem whereby the formulations may be admixed at time of application.The resulting composition can be used to supply the vitamin needs of theanimal without the problems associated with the prior art compositions.

The liquid composition comprises three separate formulations. Thecomposition may be accommodated in a single container with threedistinct compartments. Alternatively, the composition may be provided inthree separate containers comprised within a common pack or packagingsystem which is appropriate for sale or delivery or merchandising. Thecontainer(s) may be of any size as appropriate for the required need anddestination. Suitably, the container may be from 1 to 1000 liters involume.

The liquid vitamin composition comprises a first liquid formulationcomprising vitamins A, D3 and B12. These vitamins are suitably presentas the oily derivative of the vitamin, such as the lower alkyl ester ofthe vitamin, for example the propionate such as vitamin A oilpropionate. The first formulation may also optionally comprise vitaminE.

The concentration of each vitamin in the first liquid formulation may bevaried to satisfy the specific requirements of the feed to which it isto be added. Suitably, vitamin A is present in an amount of from 100 to750 MIU/kg, preferably from 100 to 400 MIU/kg. Suitably, vitamin D3 ispresent in an amount of from 10 to 300 MIU/kg, preferably from 10 to 250MIU/kg. Suitably, vitamin B12 is present in an amount of from 0.1 to 1g/kg, preferably from 0.2 to 0.8 g/kg. Where vitamin E is present in theformulation, this vitamin is present in an amount of from 45 to 600g/kg, preferably from 200 to 450 g/kg.

The first liquid formulation is suitably in the non-aqueous phase andcomprises at least one non-aqueous solvent. Suitable solvents includealkyl lactates e.g. ethyl lactate and butyl lactate and oils such aspropane 1,2 diol, n-propyl alcohol, vegetable oils and soya oil.Preferably, the solvent is an alkyl lactate, especially ethyl lactateand butyl lactate.

The first liquid vitamin formulation may comprise an emulsifier.Suitable emulsifiers include ethoxylated castor oils such aspolyethylene glycol monooleate 80 and polysorbitan monooleate 80.

The first liquid vitamin formulation may comprise an antioxidant.Suitably, the antioxidant may be selected from ethoxyquin, butyl hydroxytoluene, butyl hydroxy anisole and tertiary butyl hydroxyquinone. Thepreferred antioxidant is ethoxyquin.

The second liquid vitamin formulation of the present invention comprisesa mixture of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and H. This formulation mayalso optionally comprise vitamin B9. It is preferred that thisformulation is in the aqueous phase.

The concentration of each vitamin in the second liquid formulation alsomay be varied to satisfy the specific requirements of the feed to whichit is to be added. Suitably, vitamin B1 is present in an amount of from0.01 to 7 g/kg, preferably from 0.1 to 3 g/kg. Suitably, vitamin B2 ispresent in an amount of from 0.01 to 40 g/kg, preferably from 1 to 20g/kg. Suitably, vitamin B3 is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 60g/kg, preferably from 1 to 30 g/kg. Suitably, vitamin B5 is present inan amount of from 0.01 to 60 g/kg, preferably from 1 to 30 g/kg.Suitably, vitamin B6 is present in an amount of from 0.01 to 12 g/kg,preferably from 1 to 5 g/kg. Suitably, vitamin H is present in an amountof from 0.01 to 5 g/kg, preferably from 1 to 2 g/kg. Where vitamin B9 ispresent, it is present in an amount suitably of from 0.01 to 5 g/kg,preferably from 1 to 2 g/kg

The second liquid formulation may comprise a stabilising agent and/or ananti-gelling agent. Suitable stabilising agents include inorganic saltssuch as potasium sorbate, sorbitol, propane 1,2 diol and glycerine. Thepreferred agents are sorbitol and propane 1,2 diol

The second liquid formulation may comprise a suspension agent. Suitablesuspension agents include polysaccharides such as sugars, xanthan gumand carageenan. The preferred suspension agent is xanthan gum.

The second liquid formulation may comprise an antioxidant. Suitableantioxidants are citric acid and ascorbic acid. The preferredantioxidant is ascorbic acid.

The second liquid formulation may also comprise a fungicide. Anysuitable known fungicide may be used and in particular potassium sorbateis favored.

The third formulation of the present invention comprises vitamin K3. Itis preferred that this vitamin, known as menadione, is complexed with aninorganic salt such as sodium bisulphite, the complex being known asMSBC; an organic compound such as nicotinamide bisulphite, the compoundbeing known as menadione nicotinamide bisulphite. Equally possible, thevitamin may be physically protected by liason with a compound such asstyramine, the resulting compound being known as menadione styramine.

Alternatively, vitamin K3 may be mixed with other vitamins to form astable formulation. Such vitamins include vitamins A, D3, E and B12.

The concentration of vitamin K3 in the third formulation suitably may befrom 1.5 to 20 g/kg, preferably from 5 to 10 g/kg.

The third formulation is suitably in the aqueous phase and may alsocomprise a stabilising agent and/or an anti-gelling agent. Suitablestabilising agents such as inorganic sodium salts, sorbitol or glycerinemay be used. Preferably, the stabilising agent is sorbitol. Preferably,the anti-gelling agent is propane-1,2-diol.

With regard to the first formulation, when vitamin E is not present inthis formulation, it is possible to include this vitamin in thecomposition as a separate formulation. This may form a fourthformulation and thus according to another aspect of the presentinvention there is provided a liquid vitamin composition comprising

(a) a first liquid vitamin formulation comprising vitamins A, D3, andB12,

(b) a second liquid vitamin formulation comprising vitamins B1, B2, B3,B5, B6 and H,

(c) a third liquid vitamin formulation comprising vitamin K3, and

(d) a fourth liquid vitamin formulation comprising vitamin Echaracterised in that the four formulations are separate solutions.

With regard to this four component system, the aforementioned propertiesapply equally for the first three formulations. With regard to thefourth formulation, this formulation is suitably an aqueous formulationand comprises the vitamin in an amount of at least 60% by weight,preferably from 60 to 70% by weight.

The fourth liquid vitamin formulation may comprise water and anemulsifier, a stabilising agent and a solvent as hereinbefore defined.The preferred formulation comprises vitamin E, potassium sorbate,propylene glycol, propanol and polyethylene glycol 400 monooleate.

The vitamin requirements of animals will of course vary from animal toanimal and an advantage of the composition of the present invention isthat the composition can be prepared to contain the desiredconcentration of vitamins in the three or four formulations to meet thespecific requirements. In general, it is preferred that each of thefirst and second formulations contain up to 50% by of weight vitamins.

The liquid vitamin composition of the present invention is introducedinto the diet of the animal by adding the liquid composition to theanimal feed. Typically the feed supplied to animals is in the form ofpellets or in the form of a mash feed. Where the vitamin composition isto be added to the pellets, the liquid vitamin compositions of thepresent invention may be introduced into the feed after formation of thepellets. Where the vitamin composition is to be added to the mash feed,the three or four formulations may be added into the mash feed. Theresulting feed may then be mixed. The liquid vitamin compositions of thepresent invention may also me mixed with dry vitamins and the resultingmix then added to the feed.

The liquid vitamin compositions are suitably supplied as a three or fourcomponent system accommodated within a single container or a three orfour separate containers accommodated within a single pack or packagingsystem. Thus, according to another aspect of the present invention thereis provided a delivery system for animal feed comprising at least oneset of containers, each set comprising a vitamin composition as hereinbefore defined.

Where it is desired to add the liquid vitamin composition to the formedpellets or to the mash feed, this may be achieved by applying the liquidcomposition onto the pellet or the mash feed by any suitable means, forexample by spraying, or pouring the liquid or by immersing or soakingthe pellet in the liquid composition. Preferably, the liquid is appliedto the pellet or mash feed by spraying. This may be carried out usingany technique known in the art. The three or four liquid formulationsmay be sprayed separately, either simultaneously or in series.Alternatively, the three or four formulations may be admixed immediatelyprior to spraying.

The resulting feed pellet or mash feed comprises the desired vitaminsupplement and according to another aspect of the present inventionthere is provided animal feed supplemented with vitamins said feedobtained by the addition to the feed a liquid vitamin composition asherein before described.

The present invention will now be described with reference to thefollowing examples:

EXAMPLE 1 Three Component Composition 1.1. Preparation of the LiquidVitamin Formulations

1.1.1 First Liquid Formulation

A formulation as detailed in Table 1.1 below was prepared according tothe following procedure:

Propane 1-2 diol was added to Vitamin B12 with stirring. The stirringwas continues for five minutes to ensure even mixing. Butyl lactate wasthen added to the mixture, followed by soya oil. While continuing tostir the mixture, vitamin E was added. Ethoxyquin, vitamins A and D werethen added to the homogeneous mixture. Finally, the castor oil was addedto provide a homogeneous liquid.

TABLE 1.1 COMPONENT AMOUNT Oil of Vitamin A 120 MIU/kg Oil of Vitamin D312 MIU/kg Oil of Vitamin E 298 g/kg Vitamin B12 0.2 g/kg ethoxyquin 30g/kg soya oil 64 g/kg butyl lactate 285 g/kg propanel-2 diol 47 g/kgEthoxylated castor oil 200 g/kg1.1.2: Second Liquid Vitamin Formulation

A formulation as detailed in Table 1.2 below was prepared according tothe following procedure:

An aqueous solution of water, propane 1-2 diol, sorbitol, ascorbic acidand xanthan gum was prepared in a 2 liter Becher™ mixer. The contentswere stirred using a magnetic stirrer. The vitamins were introduced oneat a time in the following order: H, B6, B5, B3, B1 and B2. Theresulting mixture was mixed for 15 minutes

TABLE 1.2 COMPONENT AMOUNT (%) Vitamin H (biotine) 0.02 Vitamin B6(pyridoxine 0.4 chlorohydrate) Vitamin B5 (dexpanthénol) 2.62 Vitamin B1thiamine 0.26 mononitrate) Vitamin B2 (riboflavin - 1.05 80%) Vitamin B3(niacinamide) 7.86 water 74.3 Propane-1,2-diol 12.4 sorbitol 12.4ascorbic acid 0.1 xanthan gum 0.71.1.3: Third Liquid Vitamin Formulation

An aqueous solution comprising 725 g of water, 125 g of propane-1,2-dioland 125 g of sorbitol was prepared. 6 g of menadione sodium bisulphitecomplex was added to the solution with stirring. The resulting solutioncontained 2 g/liter of vitamin K3 expressed as pure menadione.

1.2: Stability Measurements

The stability of each formulation in the composition each was determinedover a 4 weeks period. The concentration of vitamin in the formulationwas analysed using standard analytical methods (high performance liquidchromatography). The formulations were stored at 40° C. over the testperiod. The results are given in Tables 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5 below:

TABLE 1.3 Stability of First Formulation CONC at CONC at CONC at VITAMINT = 0* T = 2 weeks T = 4 weeks A 120500 UI/g 118500 UI/g 120400 UI/g D3 56200 UI/g  56160 UI/g  52800 UI/g E  27.6%  29.1%  29.3% B12 0.0202%0.0165% 0.0157% *T = 0 is stability measurements immediately afterpreparationIt can be seen from the results above that the vitamins are stable inthe formulation.

TABLE 1.4 Stability of Second Formulation CONC*. at CONC*. at CONC*. atCONC* at CONC*. at VITAMIN T = 0** T = 1 week T = 3 weeks T = 2 weeks T= 4 weeks B1 0.265 0.245 0.263 0.253 0.248 B3 8 7.98 7.85 7.8 8 B5 2.632.64 2.64 2.65 2.69 B6 0.355 0.32 0.333 0.33 0.329 H  0.021 0.022 0.0210.02 0.021 B2 1 1.08 1.04 1.04 1.01 *measured as g % g of solution **T =0 is stability measurements immediately after preparationIt can be seen from the results above that the vitamins are stable inthe formulation.

TABLE 1.5 Stability Measurement of Vitamin K3 CONC* at CONC* at CONC* atVITAMIN T = 0 T = 2 weeks T = 4 weeks K3 2.00 1.93 1.92 *measured as g %g of solution **T = 0 is stability measurements immediately afterpreparationIt can be seen from the results above that vitamins K3 is stable in thethird liquid formulation.

EXAMPLE 2 Four Component Composition 2.1: Preparation of the LiquidFormulations

2.1.1: First Liquid Formulation

A formulation as detailed in Table 2.1 below was prepared according tothe following procedure:

Vitamin B12 was added to propane 1,2, diol. Propanol was then added tothis mixture. In a separate container, the emulsifiers, ethyl lactate,ethoxyquin and the remaining oils of the vitamins were combined andmixed. The first mix was then added to the second mix and the resultingmixture mixed until homogenous.

TABLE 2.1 COMPONENT AMOUNT Oil of Vitamin A(retinyl 572 MIU/gpropionate) Oil of Vitamin D3 (4000) 280 MIU/g Pure Vitamin B12 0.46MIU/g Water 50 g/kg Propylene glycol 50 g/kg Propanol 30 g/kg Ethyllactate 50 g/kg Alkamuls (PSMO-20) 150 g/kg Alkamuls (400-MO) 279.8 g/kgEthoxyquin 60 g/kg2.1.2: Second Liquid Formulation

A formulation as detailed in Table 2.2 below was prepared according tothe following procedure:

The soluble B vitamins were added to water and mixed until dissolved. Ina separate container, the suspending agent was added to propane 1,2,diol and mixed thoroughly. N-propyl alcohol was then added. The firstmix was then added to the second mix with stirring. The riboflavin andfolic acid were then added to complete the mixture and the resultingmixture stirred until a fine, uniform suspension was formed.

TABLE 2.2 COMPONENT AMOUNT (g/kg) Vitamin H (biotin 95%) 0.266 VitaminB6 (pyridoxine) 9.5 Vitamin B5 (D-CAL Pan) 42 Vitamin B1 (thiamine 6.3mono) Vitamin B2 (80%) 31 Vitamin B3 (niacinamide 116.4 99%) Vitamin B9(folic acid) 2.3 Water 650.8 Potassium sorbate 1 Ascorbic acid 0.28Methocel 2.5 Propanol 50 Propylene glycol 802.1.3: Third Liquid Formulation

A formulation as detailed in Table 2.3 below was prepared by adding theVitamin K3 salt to water and mixing until dissolved. N propyl alcoholand propane 1,2 diol were then added to the solution.

TABLE 2.3 COMPONENT AMOUNT (g/kg) Vitamin K3 (MSBC 16.5 33%) Water 662.9Propan 1,2 diol 50 Sorbitol 80 Propylene glycol 1502.1.4: Fourth Liquid Formulation

A formulation as detailed in Table 2.4 below was prepared according tothe following procedure:

Propylene glycol was mixed with propanol and potassium sorbate in water.In a separate container, the emulsifiers, ethyl lactate and the oil ofthe vitamin E were combined and mixed. The first mix was then added tothe second mix and the resulting mixture mixed until homogenous.

TABLE 2.4 COMPONENT AMOUNT (g/kg) Oil of Vitamin E 454.5 Water 40Potassium sorbate 1 Propylene glycol 40 Propanol 30 Ethyl lactate 50Alkamus PSMO-20 114.7 Alkamus 400_MO 243.32.2 Stability Measurements

The stability of each formulation in the composition was determined asin Example 1 and found to be as stable as that of Example 1.

EXAMPLE 3 Stability of the Liquid Vitamin Composition in a Poultry Feed

A standard poultry feed comprising a digestible carbohydrate, a sourceof fat, a source of amino acid, vitamins and minerals as detailed inTable 3.1 below was used in this example

TABLE 3.1 Poultry Feed Formulation COMPONENT AMOUNT (g) Corn 65.6 Soyabean meal 28.5 Oil 2 D,L methionine 0.24 L-Lysine, HCl 0.11 Calciumcarbonate 0.93 di-calcium phosphate 1.82 Salt 0.3 Vitamin Composition0.5

Two sources of vitamin A are compared. Mixture A contained the vitamincomposition in the liquid form according to the present invention whilstmixture B contained the conventional powdered vitamin composition. Thevitamin pre-mixes were added to the feed. The stability of vitamin A inboth feed samples was determined over a four weeks period. The feedswere stored at 20° C. and under 80% humidity. The concentration ofvitamin A in the feed was measured using conventional analytical methods(high performance liquid chromatography). The results are given in Table3.2 below:

TABLE 3.2 Concentration of Vitamin A in Poultry Feed VITAMIN A VITAMIN ACONCENTRATION in CONCENTRATION in FEED CONTAINING FEED CONTAINING WEEKMIXTURE A (IU/g) MIXTURE B(IU/g) 0 96 53 1 102 58 2 96 51 3 95 54 4 8750

It can be seen from the results that vitamin A is as stable in the feedcontaining the liquid pre-mix as in the conventional powdered pre-mix.

EXAMPLE 4 Stability of the Liquid Vitamin Composition in a Poultry Feed

The stability of vitamins A, K3 and B2 in a flour based poultry feed isdetermined for a liquid pre-mix according to the present inventionprepared according to Example 1 (Feed 1) and a powdered pre-mix (Feed 2comparative example).

100 g of the feed comprised the following composition:

TABLE 4.1 COMPONENT WEIGHT (g) corn 55.62 Soya cake 23 Meat starch 9Calcium carbonate 8.43 Liquid fat 3.15 Salt 0.33 Pre-mix 0.2 D,LMethionine 0.17

The stability results are given in Table 4.2 below:

TABLE 4.2 FEED 1 FEED 1 FEED 1 FEED 2 FEED 2 FEED 2 Vit A Vit K3 Vit B2Vit A Vit K3 Vit B2 IU/kg mg/kg mg/kg IU/kg mg/kg mg/kg Theoretical 41280.96 6 8600 2 6 Value Value after 4375 1.06 5.86 8540 2.07 4.68 1 monthRdt 100 100 98 99 100 78

These results show that the vitamins in the liquid composition arestable even after one month and are comparable to the conventionalpowdered vitamin composition.

1. A liquid vitamin composition comprising (a) a first liquid vitaminformulation comprising: i) 100 to 750 MIU/kg of vitamin A, ii) 10 to 300MIU/kg of vitamin D3, iii) 0.1 to 1 g/kg of vitamin B12 and iv)optionally vitamin E, (b) second liquid vitamin formulation comprising:i) 0.01 to 7 g/kg of vitamin B1, ii) 0.01 to 40 g/kg of vitamin B2, iii)0.01 to 60 g/kg of vitamin B3, iv) 0.01 to 60 g/kg of vitamin B5, v)0.01 to 12 g/kg of vitamin B6, and vi) 0.01 to 5 g/kg of vitamin H, and(c) a third liquid vitamin formulation comprising 1.5 to 20 g/kg ofvitamin K3, wherein the three formulations are separate solutionsaccommodated with a single container with three distinct compartments.2. A liquid composition as claimed in claim 1, in which the firstformulation comprises at least one solvent.
 3. A liquid composition asclaimed in claim 2, in which the solvent is selected from alkyllactates, propane 1,2 diol, n-propyl alcohol, vegetable oil and soyaoil.
 4. A liquid composition as claimed in claim 1, in which the firstformulation comprises an emulsifier.
 5. A liquid composition as claimedin claim 4, in which the emulsifier is an ethoxylated oil.
 6. A liquidcomposition as claimed in claim 1, in which the first formulationcomprises an antioxidant.
 7. A liquid composition as claimed in claim 6,in which the antioxidant is selected from ethoxyquin, butyl hydroxytoluene, butyl hydroxy anisole and tertiary butyl hydroquinone.
 8. Aliquid composition as claimed in claim 1, in which the secondformulation further comprises vitamin B9.
 9. A liquid composition asclaimed claim 1, in which the second formulation is in the aqueousphase.
 10. A liquid composition as claimed in claim 1, in which thesecond formulation comprises a stabilizing agent.
 11. A liquidcomposition as claimed in claim 10, in which the stabilizing agent issorbitol.
 12. A liquid composition as claimed in claim 1, in which thesecond formulation comprises a suspension agent.
 13. A liquidcomposition as claimed in claim 12, in which the suspension agent is axanthan gum.
 14. A liquid composition as claimed in claim 1, in whichthe second liquid composition comprises an antioxidant.
 15. A liquidcomposition as claimed in claim 14, in which the antioxidant is selectedfrom citric acid and ascorbic acid.
 16. A liquid composition as claimedin claim 1, in which vitamin K3 of the third formulation is complexed tosodium bisulphite or nicotinamide bisulphite.
 17. A liquid vitamincomposition comprising (a) a first liquid vitamin formulationcomprising: i) 100 to 750 MIU/kg of vitamin A, ii) 10 to 300 MIU/kg ofvitamin D3, and iii) 0.1 to 1 g/kg of vitamin B12 (b) a second liquidvitamin formulation comprising: i) 0.01 to 7 g/kg of vitamin B1, ii)0.01 to 40 g/kg of vitamin B2, iii) 0.01 to 60 g/kg of vitamin B3, iv)0.01 to 60 g/kg of vitamin B5, v) 0.01 to 12 g/kg of vitamin B6, and vi)0.01 to 5 g/kg of vitamin H, (c) a third liquid vitamin formulationcomprising 1.5 to 20 g/kg of vitamin K3, and (d) a fourth liquid vitaminformulation comprising 45 to 600 g/kg of vitamin E, wherein the fourformulations are separate solutions accommodated within a singlecontainer with four distinct compartments.
 18. An animal feedsupplemented with vitamins, said feed comprising a liquid vitamincomposition as claimed in claim
 1. 19. A delivery system for animal feedcomprising at least one set of container, each container comprising avitamin composition as claimed in claim
 1. 20. The liquid vitamincomposition according to claim 1, wherein the first liquid vitaminformulation comprises: i) 100 to 400 MIU/kg of vitamin A, ii) 10 to 250MIU/kg of vitamin D3, iii) 0.2 to 0.8 g/kg of vitamin B12 and iv)optionally vitamin E; wherein the second liquid vitamin formulationcomprises: i) 0.1 to 3 g/kg of vitamin B1, ii) 1 to 20 g/kg of vitaminB2, iii) 1 to 30 g/kg of vitamin B3, iv) 1 to 30 g/kg of vitamin B5, v)1 to 5 g/kg of vitamin B6, and vi) 1 to 2 g/kg of vitamin H; and whereinthe third liquid vitamin formulation comprises 5 to 10 g/kg of vitaminK3.
 21. The liquid vitamin composition according to claim 17, whereinthe first liquid vitamin formulation comprises: i) 100 to 400 MIU/kg ofvitamin A, ii) 10 to 250 MIU/kg of vitamin B3, and iii) 0.2 to 0.8 g/kgof vitamin B12; wherein the second liquid vitamin formulation comprises:i) 0.1 to 3 g/kg of vitamin B1, ii) 1 to 20 g/kg of vitamin B2, iii) 1to 30 g/kg of vitamin B3, iv) 1 to 30 g/kg of vitamin B5, v) 1 to 5 g/kgof vitamin B6, and vi) 1 to 2 g/kg of vitamin H; wherein the thirdliquid vitamin formulation comprises 5 to 10 g/kg of vitamin K3; andwherein the fourth liquid vitamin formulation comprises 200 to 450 g/kgof vitamin E.
 22. The liquid vitamin composition according to claim 1,wherein the first liquid vitamin formulation comprises: i) 120 MIU/kg ofvitamin A, ii) 12 MIU/kg of vitamin D3, iii) 0.2 of vitamin B12 and iv)298 g/kg of vitamin E; wherein the second liquid vitamin formulationcomprises: i) 0.26% of vitamin B1, ii) 1.05% of vitamin B2, iii) 7.86%of vitamin B3, iv) 2.62% of vitamin B5, v) 0.4% of vitamin B6, and vi)0.02% of vitamin H; and wherein the third liquid vitamin formulationcomprises 2 g/L of vitamin K3 (expressed as pure menadione).
 23. Aliquid vitamin composition comprising (a) a first liquid vitaminformulation comprising: i) 572 MIU/kg of vitamin A, ii) 280 MIU/kg ofvitamin D3, and iii) 0.46 g/kg of vitamin B12; (b) a second liquidvitamin formulation comprising: i) 6.3 g/kg of vitamin B1, ii) 31 g/kgof vitamin B2, iii) 116.4 g/kg of vitamin B3, iv) 42 g/kg of vitamin B5,v) 9.5 g/kg of vitamin B6, and vi) 0.266 g/kg of vitamin H; (c) a thirdliquid vitamin formulation comprising 16.5 g/kg of vitamin K3; and (d) afourth liquid vitamin formulation comprising 454.5 g/kg of vitamin Ewherein the four formulations are separate solutions accommodated withina single container with four distinct compartments.